Department of Commerce: Bloghttps://www.commerce.gov/feeds/blog
The most recent 20 items in this list.enLeveraging Open Data to Fuel American Innovationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/leveraging-open-data-fuel-american-innovation
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/ptoopendata.jpg?itok=ZbWYJRQo" width="200" height="200" alt="Data visualization of the patent examination process." title="Data visualization of the patent examination process." /></span>
<p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2017/08/11/fueling-american-innovation-and-economic-growth-open-data" target="_blank">Leveraging open data is a priority for the Trump Administration</a>, as part of its long-term commitment to modernize government and as a key driver of the American economy.</p>
<p>Recently, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced <a href="https://developer.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">newly-released data</a> giving the public new insights regarding the ins and outs of the patent process, while also providing the USPTO with more meaningful metrics so it can continue to efficiently issue high-quality patents.</p>
<p>“It’s been nearly impossible to unlock this valuable data effectively in the past, but by leveraging emerging technologies such as big data and machine learning, we are able to better serve our customers”, said the USPTO Chief Data Strategist Thomas A. Beach. </p>
<p>The USPTO receives and reviews thousands of patent applications each year. Included in these applications are mountains of scientific knowledge. The release of the <em>USPTO Patent Prosecution Research Data: Unlocking <a href="https://developer.uspto.gov/api-catalog/uspto-office-action-rejection-api-beta" target="_blank">Office Action</a> &amp; <a href="https://developer.uspto.gov/api-catalog/uspto-office-action-citations-api-beta" target="_blank">Citation Traits</a></em> marks the first time that comprehensive data on over 4.4 million office actions from the last several years has been made readily available to the public. An “office action” is a notification from a patent examiner to an applicant on whether their invention is patentable, and why or why not. It includes information such as the grounds for approval or rejection as well as the pertinent prior art, or in other words, the relevant past inventions that have come before it (as shown in this data visualization of the patent examination process).</p>
<p>By improving access to patent data, the public and private sectors can be empowered to identify trends in technology and innovation and open data can be freely and easily accessed, shared and analyzed. Analyzing and connecting government datasets can result in useful insights for entrepreneurs and innovators, from assessing risks to increasing sales.</p>
Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:21:17 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/leveraging-open-data-fuel-american-innovationPositive Economic Growth Continues, Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Yearshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/positive-economic-growth-continues-unemployment-rate-lowest-17-years
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/jobsreportgraphic.jpg?itok=4S_JL34k" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Department of Labor graphic: 1.7 Million jobs added to the American economy since January 2017. " title="U.S. Department of Labor graphic: 1.7 Million jobs added to the American economy since January 2017. " /></span>
<p>Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that 228,000 jobs were added to the American economy in November, and 1.7 million jobs have been added since January of this year. This marks a 17-year low for unemployment at 4.1%. In addition, the unemployment rate in manufacturing dropped to 2.6% – <a>the lowest rate recorded</a> since BLS began measuring it in 2000.</p>
<p>Last week, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced in their latest estimate that the U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 3.3 percent pace in their third quarter of 2017 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/us-economy-grew-3-pace-2nd-straight-quarter">faster than their initial estimate of 3.0 percent</a> – and personal income increased by 0.4 percent in October 2017, marking the second month in a row that personal income increased by 0.4 percent.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf" target="_blank">More from BLS</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>Total <strong>nonfarm payroll employment</strong> increased by 228,000 in November. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, manufacturing, and health care. Employment growth has averaged 174,000 per month thus far this year, compared with an average monthly gain of 187,000 in 2016.</p>
<p>Employment in <strong>professional and business services</strong> continued on an upward trend in November (+46,000). Over the past 12 months, the industry has added 548,000 jobs.</p>
<p>In November, <strong>manufacturing</strong> added 31,000 jobs. Within the industry, employment rose in machinery (+8,000), fabricated metal products (+7,000), computer and electronic products (+4,000), and plastics and rubber products (+4,000). Since a recent low in November 2016, manufacturing employment has increased by 189,000.</p>
<p><strong>Health care</strong> added 30,000 jobs in November. Most of the gain occurred in ambulatory health care services (+25,000), which includes offices of physicians and outpatient care centers. Monthly employment growth in health care has averaged 24,000 thus far in 2017, compared with an average increase of 32,000 per month in 2016.</p>
<p>Within <strong>construction</strong>, employment among specialty trade contractors increased by 23,000 in November and by 132,000 over the year.</p>
</blockquote>
Fri, 08 Dec 2017 12:11:54 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/positive-economic-growth-continues-unemployment-rate-lowest-17-yearsPersonal Income Increased in Octoberhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/personal-income-increased-october
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/personalincome.jpg?itok=x2t_0NWd" width="200" height="200" alt="Graphic: Personal Income Up 0.4% in October." title="Graphic: Personal Income Up 0.4% in October." /></span>
<p>The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced today that personal income increased by 0.4 percent in October 2017, marking the second month in a row that personal income increased by 0.4 percent.</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.bea.gov/2017/11/30/real-disposable-personal-income-rises-in-october/" target="_blank">More from BEA</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Real Disposable Personal Income Rises in October</strong></p>
<p>Personal income increased 0.4 percent in October, the same increase as in September. Wages and salaries, the largest component of personal income, increased 0.3 percent in October after increasing 0.5 percent in September.</p>
<p>Current-dollar disposable personal income (DPI), after-tax income, increased 0.5 percent in October after increasing 0.4 percent in September.</p>
</blockquote>
Thu, 30 Nov 2017 11:50:44 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/personal-income-increased-octoberRegistration Now Open For 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summithttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/registration-now-open-2018-selectusa-investment-summit
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/rosssusa.jpg?itok=yE_HKiN8" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross at the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit." title="U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross at the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit." /></span>
<p>Today, I am pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit, with this year’s theme of: <strong>Invest Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here.</strong></p>
<p>The SelectUSA Investment Summit will take place on June 20-22, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington. The goal is to connect global business leaders with U.S. states and their economic development organizations (EDOs) to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States.</p>
<p>The Summit is the pre-eminent event highlighting inbound investment opportunities throughout the United States, and our record of success proves that. Since our first Summit four years ago, participants have announced more than $71 billion in new investment projects into the United States, supporting thousands of jobs, expanding exports, and driving innovation through manufacturing, services, and increased research and development.</p>
<p>The Summit has helped the United States attracts more FDI than any other country in the world, with a total of $3.7 trillion at the end of 2016. These investments support more than 13 million direct and indirect U.S. jobs, and account for more than one-quarter of all U.S. goods exports of $353 billion.</p>
<p>The 2017 Summit attracted more than 3,000 attendees, including more than 1,200 global investors from 64 different markets and more than 600 economic development officials from 51 states and territories.</p>
<p>The Summit displays the pro-growth environment President Trump is creating through initiatives such as regulatory relief, tax reform, and increased energy production. I am confident these will help to maintain the United States as the #1 investment destination in the world. I look forward to seeing you next June at the Summit.</p>
<p>For registration and information regarding the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit, go to <a href="https://www.selectusasummit.us/?utm_source=website&amp;utm_campaign=2018summit&amp;utm_medium=usg" target="_blank">www.selectusasummit.us</a>.</p>
Wed, 29 Nov 2017 14:23:16 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/registration-now-open-2018-selectusa-investment-summitU.S. Economy Grows Faster than Expected in 3rd Quarterhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/us-economy-grows-faster-expected-3rd-quarter
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/facebook_post_3rdquarter2017gdp33percent.jpg?itok=oEymsyt2" width="200" height="200" alt="Economy Grew at at 3.3% Pace in the 3rd Quarter of 2017" /></span>
<p>The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced that the U.S. economy grew at a 3.3 percent pace in their third quarter of 2017 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/us-economy-grew-3-pace-2nd-straight-quarter">faster than their initial estimate of 3.0 percent</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.bea.gov/2017/11/29/gdp-increases-in-third-quarter-8/" target="_blank">More from BEA</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>GDP Increases in Third Quarter</strong></p>
<p>Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.3 percent in the third quarter of 2017, according to the “second” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter of 2017, real GDP increased 3.1 percent.</p>
<p>The increase in real GDP reflected increases in consumer spending, inventory investment, business investment, and exports. A notable offset to these increases was a decrease in housing investment. Imports, which are a subtraction from GDP, decreased.</p>
<p>The increase in consumer spending reflected increases in spending on both goods and services. The increase in goods was primarily attributable to motor vehicles. The increase in services primarily reflected increases in health care, financial services and insurance, and recreation services.</p>
<p>The increase in inventory investment primarily reflected increases in the manufacturing and wholesale trade industries. The increase in business investment reflected increases in equipment and intellectual property products; these increases were partly offset by a decrease in structures.</p>
</blockquote>
Wed, 29 Nov 2017 11:02:59 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/us-economy-grows-faster-expected-3rd-quarterSpotlight on Commerce: Sydnee Chattin, U.S. Census Bureauhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-sydnee-chattin-us-census-bureau
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/sydneechattinpic.jpg?itok=Nt7qr9fn" width="200" height="200" alt="Sydnee Chattin, U.S. Census Bureau" /></span>
<p><em><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during National Native American Heritage Month.</strong></em></p>
<p><em>By Sydnee Chattin, Assistant Division Chief, Decennial Support Programs, Field Division, <a href="https://www.census.gov/">U.S. Census Bureau</a></em></p>
<p>I serve as the Assistant Division Chief, Decennial Support Programs, Field Division at the U.S. Census Bureau. My responsibilities include program development for the 2020 Census Partnership Program, the Quality Assurance Program, and the Special Census Program.</p>
<p>Specifically, I work directly with our six regional offices to develop a nationwide partnership program to reach “hard-to-count” population groups enabling the Census Bureau to engage, educate and encourage participation in the upcoming 2020 Census.</p>
<p>While attending college, I started with Census as a temporary hire in the Denver Regional Office. And, I have continued my career with the Census Bureau for 31 years. Over the years, I have worked at two other regional offices (Atlanta and Kansas City). During my time in these offices, I had the opportunity to work with many tribal governments – as well as directly with the American Indian and Alaska Native populations.</p>
<p>For the 2000 Census, I developed the American Indian and Alaska Native Program to help ensure that every person is counted in the decennial Census – this program is still being used today. I feel so fortunate I have been a part of providing service to help the tribes throughout my career.</p>
<p>I come from an American Indian family. My father and mother – who are both enrolled members of the Blackfeet Indian Nation – and step father all influenced me throughout my career. All three had very successful government careers working with tribal governments and American Indian and Alaskan Native populations.</p>
<p>During my youth, my father worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. He was the first Director of the newly created Division of Self-Determination Services and had the responsibility to implement all aspects of Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act. My father’s job required him to travel and work with many American Indian tribes. While growing up, we lived on a diverse range of reservations including: Navajo, Blackfeet, Northern Cheyenne, Apache, Laguna, Flathead and Colorado River.</p>
<p>My extended Blackfeet family also played a sustaining role in my dedication to tribal traditions and culture. As a child, I went to the local schools and this exposed me to many different Indian cultures and provided me the background to understand and work with the tribes I came in contact with while working at the Census Bureau</p>
<p>Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month each year has been valuable in bringing attention to the American Indian and Alaska Native’s community and culture. It helps increase awareness of the important traditions and cultural differences of the American Indian and Alaska Native people. It provides awareness of the past, the present and the future of the people who were the original inhabitants of North America. For me personally, this month is a time to reflect on what the Native Americans have accomplished and an opportunity to refresh my own awareness and importance of being an American Indian.</p>
Mon, 27 Nov 2017 13:49:38 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-sydnee-chattin-us-census-bureauLearning from the Best of the Best: Lessons in Excellence from the 2017 Baldrige Award Winnershttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/learning-best-best-lessons-excellence-2017-baldrige-award-winners
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/baldrige.jpg?itok=EyPA908Z" width="200" height="200" alt="Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) is an electricity and fiber services utility company in Bristol, Tennessee. It is one of five winners of the 2017 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards. " /></span>
<p>For the last 30 years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Commerce – together with the President of the United States – have been recognizing the nation’s most outstanding organizations with the <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/baldrige-award" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award</a>.</p>
<p>As the nation's only Presidential award for performance excellence, the Baldrige program has adapted to continually support America’s global competitiveness by helping companies and organizations achieve the highest levels of performance.</p>
<p>On November 15, I joined Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross as he called to congratulate the 2017 Baldrige Award winners. As the recently appointed Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, it was a pleasure to share my own congratulations during each of these calls.</p>
<p>The results the five winning organizations in the 30<sup>th</sup>-anniversary class have accomplished using the Baldrige Performance Excellence process are truly exceptional:</p>
<ul>
<li>The fastest, most reliable internet service in the country is in eastern Tennessee, delivered by <strong>Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES). </strong>BTES provides 10 Gigabit per second internet, plus other fiber services and electricity transmission and delivery to a 280-square mile service area. They deliver outstanding services with only 68 employees, through highly-leveraged partnerships and infrastructure. BTES’ reliability rates exceed best-in-class averages, at approximately two times higher than industry averages – earning them customer satisfaction levels approaching 100 percent.<br />
</li>
<li><strong>Stellar Solutions</strong> is a woman-owned aerospace engineering services company in Silicon Valley, with a vision of helping every employee achieve their “dream job.” The company uses this philosophy, together with the Baldrige Excellence Framework, to support consistent growth of its revenues and profitability year after year. Over the past three years, Stellar Solutions has maintained such high levels of customer satisfaction that 100 percent of their customers say they will recommend them to others.<br />
</li>
<li>The 2017 Baldrige winners in the health care sector, <strong>Southcentral Foundation</strong> in Anchorage, Alaska, and the <strong>Castle Medical Center</strong> on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii, consistently deliver outstanding patient outcomes and the highest standards of clinical care, while operating in unique geographies and serving distinct communities. These leading healthcare providers rank in the top 10 percent nationwide for patient wellness and other metrics for health care outcomes and quality measures. Both companies attribute their consistent achievement of outstanding business results, including revenue growth and cost management, to the use of the Baldrige performance framework.<br />
</li>
<li>In an era where other cities are struggling, the <strong>City of Fort Collins, Colorado</strong>, has implemented the Baldrige Performance Excellence Process to successfully develop its leadership, stakeholder engagement and organizational responsiveness. The city maintains an “Aaa” credit rating from Moody’s and ranks in the top 1 percent nationally for emergency preparedness and resilience. Fort Collins has developed strong business processes and built engagement with its community and stakeholders. During a period when its population grew by 7 percent, its energy use decreased by 12 percent. Fort Collins now consistently ranks in the top 10 percent of U.S. cities for place to live and work, quality of culture and recreation, job opportunities, air and water quality and attractiveness.</li>
</ul>
<p>Although the winning organizations represent a diverse range of markets – from utility services to health care to government – the leaders of all five Baldrige winning organizations have several core principles in common. First and foremost, they have empowered their people and strive to demonstrate that everyone representing them is valued and is focused on delivering value to the customer. From the receptionist at the front door to their senior leadership team, everyone knows their organization’s goals and how their actions lead to achieving them.</p>
<p>Each of these exemplary organizations also promotes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Long-term over short-term gains;</li>
<li>A culture of active collaboration with employees, customers and stakeholders;</li>
<li>Strong corporate citizenship and participation in the community; and</li>
<li>A tireless focus on operational excellence.</li>
</ul>
<p>It should also be no surprise that – by embracing these positive, inclusive and often altruistic goals – the Baldridge winners also excel at producing solid financial results. They increase sales and profits, save their customers money, meet their financial obligations, pay their employees fairly and consistently invest in employee development and growth.</p>
<p>The best organizations inspire leadership at all levels. They provide a positive, inter-dependent and respectful team environment that always strives for excellence.</p>
<p>I feel very fortunate to lead and be a part of such an organization here at NIST and the Department of Commerce. Ever-striving to excel, we have much to learn from one another and our Baldrige Award winners.</p>
<p>Together with members of the NIST senior leadership team, I look forward to in-depth benchmarking and sharing of best business practices with Baldrige winners in the coming days.</p>
<p>A hallmark of the success of America’s Baldrige program is the commitment of its participants to give back and inspire others – volunteering, sharing, analyzing and leading change – toward better American corporations and organizations competing globally with high effectiveness in a constantly shifting world.</p>
<p>I hope you will join me in April at the annual <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/qe" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Quest for Excellence</a> Conference where the leaders of each of these organizations will openly share the keys to their success. I look forward to meeting you there, together with the other leaders from the top companies of the U.S.</p>
<p><em>The Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Program was named after Howard Malcolm "Mac" Baldrige Jr., an American businessman who served as Secretary of Commerce under President Ronald Reagan. Baldrige's focus on business excellence contributed to enhancing the U.S. economy, as well as effectiveness and efficiency in government while he served at Commerce.</em></p>
Mon, 27 Nov 2017 10:25:59 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/learning-best-best-lessons-excellence-2017-baldrige-award-winnersSupport Small Business on Small Business Saturdayhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/support-small-business-small-business-saturday
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/small_business_saturday_2017.png?itok=SuhhQBxz" width="200" height="200" alt="Logo for Small Business Saturday 2017 - U.S. Small Business Administration." /></span>
<p>Saturday, November 25, 2017 is Small Business Saturday® – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities.</p>
<p>Please join the Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and organizations across the country in supporting your local small business by shopping at a small business.</p>
<p><strong>How You Can Participate</strong></p>
<p>For shoppers</p>
<ul>
<li>Find <a href="http://www.shopsmall.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">participating small businesses</a> in your area</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>For small business owners</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Get advice on how to prepare for the holiday season from the SBA:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type:circle">
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/blogs/sponsoring-or-hosting-event-holiday-season-6-ways-maximize-your-return" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="Sponsoring or Hosting an Event this Holiday Season? 6 Ways to Maximize Your Return">6 Ways to Maximize Your Return on Sponsoring or Hosting Holiday Events</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/blogs/7-holiday-marketing-tips-limited-budget" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="7 Holiday Marketing Tips on a Limited Budget">7 Holiday Marketing Tips on a Limited Budget</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/blogs/5-ways-market-your-business-holiday-season" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="5 Ways to Market your Business for the Holiday Season">5 Ways to Market Your Business for the Holiday Season</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/blogs/start-now-plan-your-holiday-retail-marketing-campaign" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="Start Now to Plan Your Holiday Retail Marketing Campaign">Start Now to Plan Your Holiday Retail Marketing Campaign</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/blogs/how-market-your-business-event" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="How to Market Your Business with an Event">How to Market Your Business with an Event</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sba.gov/blogs/33-creative-ideas-small-business-holiday-marketing" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="33 Creative Ideas for Small Business Holiday Marketing">33 Creative Ideas for Small Business Holiday Marketing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sba.gov/blogs/6-good-reasons-start-your-holiday-marketing-plan-now" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="6 Good Reasons to Start your Holiday Marketing Plan Now">6 Good Reasons to Start your Holiday Marketing Plan Now</a> </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/promote?linknav=us-open-shopsmall-home-nationallanding-promote" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" title="Get free Small Business Saturday® marketing materials">Get free Small Business Saturday® marketing materials</a> – including sample posters, press releases, and social media updates</li>
</ul>
Wed, 22 Nov 2017 13:59:23 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/support-small-business-small-business-saturdayManufacturing is Key to Building Stronger Communitieshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/manufacturing-key-building-stronger-communities
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/pence-manufacturing.jpg?itok=g3MxuH3o" width="200" height="200" alt="Vice President Pence Visits Tendon Manufacturing in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 29, 2017 - The White House" /></span>
<p><em>The following is a cross-post from the <a href="https://www.eda.gov/news/blogs/2017/10/01/spotlight.htm">U.S. Economic and Development Administration's October, 2017 Newsletter</a></em></p>
<p>Manufacturing is a critical economic sector where workers develop and use the latest technology and build lasting, meaningful careers.</p>
<p>With 12.4 million employees in the U.S. producing goods that are consumed domestically or exported abroad, manufacturing is one of the keys to building stronger communities.</p>
<p>At EDA, we support locally-devised strategies to grow the economy through manufacturing in communities across the country.</p>
<p>Since January 2017, EDA has invested close to $86 million in 84 projects to help communities and regions strengthen their manufacturing competitiveness.</p>
<p>These included over $65 million in 47 projects that are expected to create and/or retain over 14,000 jobs and attract more than $3.4 billion in private investment.</p>
<p>EDA also invested over $20 million in 37 projects to support planning, research, technical assistance, access to capital, or other activities that are essential for successful manufacturing-related economic development and job creation in the future.</p>
<p>More EDA <a href="https://www.eda.gov/success-stories/manufacturing/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">manufacturing success stories</a> can be found here.</p>
Wed, 22 Nov 2017 13:52:29 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/manufacturing-key-building-stronger-communitiesHonoring the Service of Our Veteranshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/honoring-service-our-veterans
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/uss_arizona_memorial_20171103_1.jpg?itok=hAiNrkf0" width="200" height="200" alt="President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visiting the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on November 3, 2017." /></span>
<p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/11/07/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-november-11-2017-veterans-day">President Trump proclaimed today, November 11, 2017, as Veterans Day</a> – honoring all Americans who have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard, both in times of war and peace.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Our veterans represent the very best of America. They have bravely answered the call to serve in the finest military force in the world, and they have earned the dignity that comes with wearing the uniform and defending our great flag. On Veterans Day, we honor all Americans who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, both in times of war and peace. For nearly 100 years, since the end of World War I, Veterans Day has given us a time to pay due respect to our veterans, who have passed the torch of liberty from one generation to the next.</em></p>
<p><em>Part of paying our respect means recommitting to our Nation's sacred obligation to care for those who have protected the freedom we often take for granted. I have pledged to provide our service members with the best equipment, resources, and support in the world – support that must continue after they return to civilian life as veterans. This is why veterans' healthcare is a top priority for my Administration. I have signed legislation that improves accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides additional funding for the Veterans Choice Program, which ensures veterans continue to receive care in their communities from providers they trust. I have also signed legislation to give veterans GI Bill education benefits for their lifetime, and legislation to fix the VA appeals process, to ensure veterans can access the resources they are rightly due.</em></p>
<p><em>...</em></p>
<p><em>As Commander in Chief of our heroic Armed Forces, I humbly thank our veterans and their families as we remember and honor their service and their sacrifice.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/11/07/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-november-11-2017-veterans-day">Read more about President Trump's Veterans Day proclamation at WhiteHouse.gov.</a></p>
Sat, 11 Nov 2017 09:52:16 -0500solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/honoring-service-our-veteransHonoring Veterans at the Department of Commercehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/honoring-veterans-department-commerce
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/2017_hchb_veterans_day_event_20171109.jpg?itok=M8EGYEly" width="200" height="200" alt="2017 Veterans Day keynote speaker retired Brigadier General Lawrence E. Gillespie, Sr." /></span>
<p>On Thursday, the Department of Commerce hosted our annual Veterans Day event honoring the many veterans who continue their public service as civilian federal employees.</p>
<p>Deputy Chief of Staff Israel Hernandez opened the event by thanking veterans for their service and the important role they play on a daily basis at the Department. “Your service is as valuable now as it was in uniform,” Hernandez said.</p>
<p>Hernandez then presented a video message from Secretary Ross – who was unable to attend the event in person due to the U.S.-China Business Exchange trade mission in Beijing.</p>
<p>Expressing his gratitude in the video, Secretary Ross said: “Today, I join with Americans – across our country – in expressing my deepest appreciation for all military service members, their families, and especially those who now serve as part of the civilian workforce at the Commerce Department.”</p>
<p>In his keynote remarks, retired Brigadier General Lawrence E. Gillespie, Sr., emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices veterans have made for the security of our nation. “Always, always hold our veterans in a place of honor, they have earned it,” said Gillespie.</p>
Fri, 10 Nov 2017 12:48:17 -0500solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/honoring-veterans-department-commerceSpotlight on Commerce: Pam Moulder and Yahya Kaloko, Economics and Statistics Administrationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-pam-moulder-and-yahya-kaloko-economics-and-statistics
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/esaveterans.jpg?itok=yn4BxNRy" width="200" height="200" alt="Yahya Kaloko (left) and Pam Moulder (right) are veterans who work in the Economics and Statistics Administration" /></span>
<p><strong><em>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees in honor of Veteran’s Day.</em></strong></p>
<p>In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Department of Commerce is proud to highlight two Navy Veterans who continue their service to our nation at the Economics and Statistics Administration.</p>
<p><strong>Pam Moulder</strong></p>
<p>I currently work as a senior program analyst for the Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Economics &amp; Statistics Administration (ESA). I have 14 years of civilian federal service, and I am currently ESA’s principal point of contact for the Privacy Act, FOIA, open government and records management program areas.</p>
<p>Prior to my civilian government career, I retired as a U.S. Navy Commander serving in a succession of leadership roles overseas (Keflavik, Iceland; Naples, Italy; and Sasebo, Japan) – which involved directing the allocation of personnel, financial assets and plant resources.</p>
<p>I felt tremendous professional satisfaction in helping the Navy meet its mission objectives while interacting with foreign naval personnel and officials. In addition, I had the opportunity to serve in many challenging and differing roles such as an Intelligence Watch Officer for the Fleet Ocean Surveillance Center in Norfolk, Va., and subsequently, as a Chief Staff Officer in Sasebo, Japan.</p>
<p>One of the great things the Navy does is enable service members to quickly learn how to manage shifting priorities, an invaluable skill which often pays dividends in future careers both inside and outside of the government.</p>
<p>In considering the next generation, I frequently encourage young people to learn as much as they can about the various military branches, and I think seeking advice from active service members is very helpful when career planning. And most importantly, I recommend pursuing goals with a flexible attitude and zeal for challenging roles that require great communication, organization and analytical skills!</p>
<p><strong>Yahya Kaloko</strong></p>
<p>I am currently a budget analyst at ESA, and I previously served on the USS Detroit, which was a logistical ship based out of New Jersey and part of the USS Enterprise Battle Group. I was honored to receive two commendations: the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy Excellence Award.</p>
<p>After immigrating from Sierra Leone, I felt that joining the U.S. Navy was an appealing way to pursue the American Dream, invest my time and energy, and begin a new life serving in my adopted homeland.</p>
<p>My U.S. Navy career focused primarily on financial management, fund disbursements involving wages and benefits, and overseas vendor financial logistics during my deployments. In addition, I served as my division’s training officer; and I had both shore and sea duty assignments, which included numerous deployments to the Middle East and European regions.</p>
<p>Throughout my subsequent 16 years of federal service, I have continued to focus on budgeting and financial management practices. My military service has been an immense influence for me personally and professionally as I continue safeguarding public funds, maintaining federal accountability and serving my fellow citizens.</p>
<p>While my time in the Navy was very professionally fulfilling, my military service helped me to more fully understand and appreciate the tremendous sacrifices many others have made to protect our nation’s freedoms. Equally immeasurable is the personal satisfaction derived from serving and defending our country and freedoms.</p>
Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:33:18 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-pam-moulder-and-yahya-kaloko-economics-and-statisticsU.S. Census Bureau Releases Key Statistics on Our Nation’s Veteranshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/us-census-bureau-releases-key-statistics-our-nations-veterans
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/censusveterans.jpg?itok=F5eJnajC" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Census Bureau Graphic: Percentage of Veterans Among the Adult Population" /></span>
<p>Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11th became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day, as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. Veterans Day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation and a remembrance ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.</p>
<p>The following are key economic and demographic statistics compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau on our nation’s veterans.</p>
<h3>18.5 million</h3>
<p>The number of military veterans in the United States in 2016.</p>
<h3>9.2 million</h3>
<p>The number of veterans age 65 and older in 2016. At the other end of the age spectrum, 1.6 million were younger than age 35.</p>
<h3>6.7 million</h3>
<p>The number of Vietnam Era veterans in 2016. Moreover, there were 7.1 million who served during the Gulf War (representing service from August 1990 to present); 768,263 who served in World War II; 1.6 million who served in the Korean War; and 2.4 million who served in peacetime only.</p>
<h3>14.4 million</h3>
<p>The number of veterans who voted in the 2016 presidential election. In that election, 69.6 percent of veterans cast a ballot, compared with 60.6 percent of nonveterans. These rates reflect the citizen voting-age population.</p>
<h3>398,453</h3>
<p>The number of all U.S. employer firms that are majority owned by veterans. Veteran-owned firms comprised 7.2 percent of the nation's 5.5 million employer businesses.</p>
<p><em>For more statistics on our nation’s veteran population, please visit the <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2017/veterans-day.html?CID=CBSM+FFF" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau’s Facts for Features: Veterans Day 2017.</a></em></p>
Thu, 09 Nov 2017 12:37:05 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/us-census-bureau-releases-key-statistics-our-nations-veteransSpotlight on Commerce: Chris Higginbotham, Deputy Director of Outreach, SelectUSA https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-chris-higginbotham-deputy-director-outreach-selectusa
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/iraq_copy.jpg?itok=DFpmu-1p" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Army Sergeant Chris Higginbotham in Iraq in 2004" /></span>
<p><strong><em>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees in honor of Veteran’s Day.</em></strong></p>
<p>When Congress first declared November 11th as a holiday that ultimately became Veterans Day, it said the day should be marked with “exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.”</p>
<p>I am fortunate that in my two careers — one in the U.S. Army and one in the U.S. Department of Commerce — it was my mission to do just that.</p>
<p>I began my career in the U.S. Army and had the best job in the service; that’s no exaggeration. For six years, I followed Army units around Europe, Southwest Asia and the great Commonwealth of Kentucky as a photographer and videographer. I did my best to tell soldiers’ stories, and to help people in the United States and abroad understand the important missions my colleagues took on every day.</p>
<p>I regularly think back to some of the work we did, like when I joined the airborne troops of 5th Quartermaster Company to photograph one of their jumps, only to learn after takeoff that the C-130 pilot also needed to practice “evasive maneuvers,” which did not make for the smoothest ride. That is the only day I have ever been envious of people who were jumping out of an aircraft.</p>
<p>My unit participated in the ceremony recognizing the 60th anniversary of D-Day, and I had the honor of interviewing veterans who stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944. There was a man who I swear could still beat me in a race who recounted his feelings about the war stating, “Oh, it didn’t bother me at all.” That was tough to believe, but you don’t often question someone who’s been through something like that and lived to tell about it.</p>
<p>And I remember being inside a trailer on Camp Victory in Ballad, Iraq, recording video messages for home from the deployed members of 95th Military Police Battalion. There was one soldier whose message would be the first time his newborn son would ever hear his father’s voice or see his face. The soldier kept reaching out to the camera as if by touching it, he would be touching his baby. Giving that tape to those Soldiers’ families back home might have been the most meaningful work I ever did.</p>
<p>Working now in the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is something I see as a continuation of my service in the military. Just like in the Army, my job is to tell the stories of the work my colleagues do through assisting U.S. exporters and attracting foreign direct investment. Their work supports millions of American jobs, and it’s something in which we all take a great amount of pride.</p>
<p>And this work in international trade and business is right at the core of promoting mutual understanding and good will between nations — it’s an everyday perpetuation of what Congress asked Americans to do every November 11th. One recent example of this was at the Trade Winds Business Forum and Trade Mission in Bucharest. I heard U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm and Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose repeatedly reference trade as a key pillar in U.S. relations with Southeast Europe. I witnessed first-hand the ability of our government to connect U.S. companies and organizations to promising business opportunities. I am proud to be part of a team of professionals who work tirelessly every day to help U.S. business compete at home and abroad.</p>
<p>On Veterans Day and every day, I salute all of the great men and women who are serving or who have served in our armed forces, and I give thanks to all who have fought to perpetuate peace and good will around the world.</p>
<div>
<div> </div>
</div>
Thu, 09 Nov 2017 11:18:36 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-chris-higginbotham-deputy-director-outreach-selectusaNTIA Data Offers Window Into Understanding Veterans’ Computer and Internet Usehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/ntia-data-offers-window-understanding-veterans-computer-and-internet-use
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/ntia_veterans_figure1.png?itok=NhgeQ8Lx" width="200" height="200" alt="Chart on Internet Use by Age Group and Veteran Status" /></span>
<p><em>By Giulia McHenry, Chief Economist, <a href="https://www.ntia.doc.gov/" target="_blank">National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)</a></em></p>
<p>Broadband can play an essential role in supporting veterans by providing access to services and helping them to establish a stable and fulfilling civilian life.</p>
<p>As we honor our veterans this week, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure their seamless transition civilian life and recognize that it’s critical to that all veterans have access to broadband.</p>
<p>Understanding the barriers to veterans’ broadband access and adoption is the first step to reducing the challenges veterans face as they seek out job opportunities, affordable housing and vital health services.</p>
<p>In advance of Veterans Day, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) conducted an analysis of its <a href="https://www.ntia.doc.gov/data" target="_blank">Digital Nation data</a> to better understand the landscape of veterans’ computer and internet use in America. Since 1994, NTIA has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to survey Americans about their computer and Internet use. Going all the way back to our earliest data collections, we broke out the data by veteran status and added “Veteran Status” as a search option in <a href="https://www.ntia.doc.gov/data/digital-nation-data-explorer#sel=internetUser&amp;demo=&amp;pc=prop&amp;disp=chart" target="_blank">our Data Explorer</a> tool – so that the public can more easily examine the data and create custom charts about internet use by veterans.</p>
<p>Veterans are demographically distinct from the overall U.S. population. The average age of veterans is 61, which is considerably older than non-veterans, with an average age of 45. Veterans are also more likely to live in rural areas and are more twice as likely to be disabled compared to the rest of the population. In addition, about half of veterans – 52 percent – are retired or not in the labor force. After accounting for demographic factors with known links to internet use, our analysis shows that veterans are 1 to 2 percent more likely to use the internet than non-veteran peers.</p>
<p>Age is among the most important demographic factors affecting internet use. When examining individual age groups, veterans are more likely than non-veterans in the same age group to use the internet. Since the military has been <a href="https://historyinpieces.com/research/us-military-personnel-1954-2014" target="_blank">downsizing since around 1970</a>, the veteran population is disproportionately older. This suggests that the rate of internet adoption among veterans is likely to increase over time.</p>
<p>Overall, when directly compared with the general U.S. population, veterans are slightly less likely to go online. However, this data point doesn’t tell the whole story – because factors such as older age, rural residence and having a disability are correlated with lower levels of internet use, independent of veteran status.</p>
<p>Additionally, veteran-led households that do not use the internet from home are more likely to say they do not need or are not interested in the service than non-veterans, and less likely to say they cannot afford it. This could be an indication that getting more veterans online will require a unique form of outreach and education. It is also consistent with the older age distribution of veterans compared with their peers.</p>
<p>NTIA’s most recent Digital Nation survey was conducted in July 2015, and the next survey goes into the field next week – with results available in the first half of 2018. Using a methodology <a href="https://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2017/three-papers-using-ntia-data-be-presented-research-conference" target="_blank">recently outlined by NTIA staff</a>, we expect to learn more about internet use among veterans by merging Digital Nation data with the CPS Veterans Supplement to examine how internet use relates to periods of service, service-connected disabilities, and participation in veteran-specific educational or job-training programs. NTIA’s data and research can serve as a vital resource for policymakers as they seek to understand the contours of the digital divide and increase internet access across the country.</p>
<p>Note: The survey identifies veterans as anyone who answers yes to the question “Did you ever serve on active duty in the U.S. armed forces?” This suggests that anyone who has completed basic military training would be considered a veteran. Since those currently on active duty are excluded from Census’ Current Population Survey (CPS), they are not included in the results of the survey. According to our data, veterans make up nearly 8 percent of the U.S. population aged 17 or older.</p>
<p><em>Interested in more analysis of computer and Internet use in the U.S.? Sign up for NTIA’s <a href="https://www.ntia.doc.gov/data-central-news-and-announcements" target="_blank">Data Central mailing list</a> and be among the first to learn about future research and data releases.</em></p>
Wed, 08 Nov 2017 10:32:22 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/ntia-data-offers-window-understanding-veterans-computer-and-internet-use2017 Collegiate Inventors Competition Winners Announcedhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/2017-collegiate-inventors-competition-winners-announced
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/collegiate_inventors_competition_winners_1200x630.jpg?itok=OpnqpXC_" width="200" height="200" alt="Winners of the 2017 Collegiate Inventors Competition held November 3, 2017 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Alexandria, VA." /></span>
<p>The future of American innovation was on display November 3rd at the 2017 <a href="http://www.invent.org/challenge/" target="_blank">Collegiate Inventors Competition</a> held at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Alexandria, VA.</p>
<p>Cutting-edge inventions created by the nation’s brightest young innovators from colleges and universities across the country — solving challenges from water decontamination to wearable power generation — were showcased at the competition’s public expo, providing the students a forum to answer questions and discuss their inventions with USPTO patent examiners, patent attorneys, trademark examiners and senior officials; corporate sponsors; members of the intellectual property community; and the public.</p>
<p>During the competition, the 29 undergraduate and graduate students from 12 teams all had the opportunity to interact one-on-one with inductees of the <a href="http://www.invent.org/" target="_blank">National Inventors Hall of Fame</a> (NIHF). These legendary innovators — who have invented many tools, processes, or devices that are now commonplace in our lives (optical fiber, implantable defibrillator, Post-it® Notes, digital camera) — served as judges for the competition, and provided advice and inspiration for the students. USPTO officials also served as judges.</p>
<p>The winner in the undergraduate category was a team from University of Iowa, Abraham Espinoza and Matthew Rooda. Their invention, SwineTech, is an audio processing technology that determines if piglets are in distress, allowing farmers to provide a higher quality of life to their livestock.</p>
<p>The graduate winner was Ning Mao from Boston University for Engineered Probiotics. Her priobiotic solution is an affordable and convenient way to provide early detection of cholera and help further contain the spread of the disease.</p>
<p>The top undergraduate and graduate winning teams each received $10,000. Second- and third-place finishers also were awarded cash and prizes. <a href="http://www.invent.org/challenge/2017-finalists/" target="_blank">Read more about all the 2017 CIC finalists and winners</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQkLRfO3rWg" target="_blank">hear what they love about inventing</a>.</p>
<p>Through this competition, the skills that these students gained through the process of invention and by learning about intellectual property will be assets to them as they continue with their research or commercialize their inventions.</p>
<p>The Collegiate Inventors Competition is one of several important programs that the USPTO and NIHF offer to young inventors. Others include Invention Playground for preschool children, Camp Invention and Club Invention for elementary school children, and Invention Project for middle school students. Since 1990, NIHF’s education programs have served more than 1.25 million children, and 125,000 teachers and leadership interns — promoting a better understanding of the vital role intellectual property and innovation play in our lives and our economy and helping build entrepreneurial skills for the next generation of inventors.</p>
Tue, 07 Nov 2017 13:33:01 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/2017-collegiate-inventors-competition-winners-announcedHonoring Our Nation’s Veteran Entrepreneurshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/honoring-our-nations-veteran-entrepreneurs
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/mbda_medweekawards_king_2017.jpg?itok=3oWYcOtI" width="200" height="200" alt="Army veteran JarMarcus King, J &amp; F Alliance Group, with President Trump and Secretary of Commerce Secretary Ross" /></span>
<p>The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) recently honored minority-owned businesses in Detroit during <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/10/20/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-october-22-through-october-28-2017" target="_blank">Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week</a>.</p>
<p>At this year’s event, they launched a new award honoring the <strong>Minority Veteran-Owned Firm of the Year</strong> – which was bestowed upon Army veteran Bede Ramcharan, President &amp; CEO of Indatatech, of San Antonio, Texas.</p>
<p>Ramcharan is a retired Army colonel with over 22 years of global operations and leadership experience in peacetime and combat. He used his expertise in logistics and sustainment operations to create a global supply chain solutions company that has performed work worldwide.</p>
<p>Indatatech has been recognized as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in San Antonio in 2005 and 2015, twice named Corporation of the Year by the Southwest Minority Supplier Council, a winner of two regional MED Week awards (San Antonio and Houston, Texas) and named one of the Best Places to Work in San Antonio.</p>
<p>MED Week award winners were invited to the White House on October 24th, where <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/tax-reform-means-better-business-america" target="_blank">President Trump acknowledged honored their success, commitment, and economic impact stating</a>, “Minority-owned businesses are a bedrock of the American economy and will be a critical component in the countries new period of economic revival.”</p>
<p>If you are a veteran looking to start or grow your business, contact an <a href="https://www.mbda.gov/businesscenters" target="_blank">MBDA Business Center</a> to find out how we can help you grow your company. You can also support a veteran-owned business this week by making purchases from veteran owned firms. Find them in your area at <a href="http://www.buyveteran.com" target="_blank">www.buyveteran.com</a>.</p>
Tue, 07 Nov 2017 12:41:15 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/honoring-our-nations-veteran-entrepreneursSomething Spooky This Way Comes – Strange, Weird and Unsettling IPhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/something-spooky-way-comes-strange-weird-and-unsettling-ip
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/creepyipphoto.jpg?itok=PZFtaTT-" width="200" height="200" alt="Photo of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office&#039;s Creepy IP Team." /></span>
<p>Americans will spend an estimated <a href="https://nrf.com/resources/consumer-research-and-data/holiday-spending/halloween-headquarters" target="_blank">9.1 billion dollars on Halloween this year</a>, and yet many trick-or-treaters remain unaware that this holiday is crawling with countless examples of intellectual property (IP) – from the registered trademarks protecting the candy you eat and the costumes you wear, to the utility and design patents behind the tools to carve pumpkins or manufacture Halloween decorations.</p>
<p>As in past <a href="https://twitter.com/uspto/status/912301129136066560" target="_blank">Octobers</a>, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) uses social media as a fun and timely way to educate the public about the importance of IP and how it impacts their everyday lives. </p>
<p>Seven years ago, the USPTO decided to explore the deepest and darkest corners of more than two centuries worth of patent and trademark archive to unearth some particularly Halloween-appropriate patents and trademarks, in a campaign that became known as “Creepy IP.” Whether it’s the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uspto.gov/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=294252403921591" target="_blank">trademark for Ghostbusters</a>®, <a href="https://twitter.com/uspto/status/659739055001849856" target="_blank">Count Chocula</a>® cereal, a sound mark for <a href="https://twitter.com/uspto/status/519115475348115456" target="_blank">Darth Vader</a>®, or patents for the <a href="https://twitter.com/uspto/status/915573572403367942" target="_blank">electric extraction of poison</a> or a <a href="https://twitter.com/uspto/status/919922238513733634" target="_blank">flesh brushing apparatus</a> from the 1880s, the USPTO’s public records are full of interesting inventions and commercialized products, some of which would fit right in at your local haunted house.</p>
<p>Since its initial launch in October 2011, the #CreepyIP hashtag remains one of the USPTO's most successful interactive social media campaigns, with other federal agencies, private companies, the press and members of the general public routinely using the hashtag to share the IP they find spooky, creepy or downright strange. This year, the USPTO has even gotten <a href="https://twitter.com/CIPO_Canada/status/922493251080384512" target="_blank">other international IP offices</a> searching their archives for Creepy IP.</p>
<p>Part of the USPTO’s mission is to educate the public about the importance of IP, and Creepy IP generates tremendous awareness by highlighting how patents and trademarks are ingrained in our daily lives.</p>
<p>Innovation and creative endeavors are indispensable elements that drive economic growth and sustain the competitive (and sometimes creepy) edge of the U.S. economy. In turn, IP protection provides incentives to invent and protects innovators from unauthorized use of their creepy inventions. The importance of IP to our economy is illustrated by <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/IPandtheUSEconomySept2016.pdf" target="_blank">a major study by the Economics and Statistics Administration</a> which found that in 2014, IP-intensive industries directly and indirectly supported over 45 million jobs (nearly a third of all U.S. jobs) and over 38% of our national GDP.</p>
<p>On October 31 at 9:30 a.m. EDT, the <a href="https://twitter.com/uspto/status/922470330370871298" target="_blank">kooky minds behind Creepy IP at the USPTO will be hosting a Reddit “Ask Me Anything</a>.” Join the discussion to ask questions about the weirdest and most memorable creepy patents and trademarks that they’ve discovered over the years.</p>
<p>Follow the USPTO on <a href="https://twitter.com/uspto" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uspto.gov/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for more spooktacular IP, and from all of us – Happy Halloween!</p>
Mon, 30 Oct 2017 10:44:23 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/something-spooky-way-comes-strange-weird-and-unsettling-ipU.S. Economy Grew At 3% Pace For 2nd Straight Quarterhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/us-economy-grew-3-pace-2nd-straight-quarter
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/facebook_post_3rdquarter2017gdp.jpg?itok=PDPDQ0Zm" width="200" height="200" alt="The U.S. Economy Grew At A 3.0% Pace In The 3rd Quarter" /></span>
<p>The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced today that the <a href="https://blog.bea.gov/2017/10/27/gdp-increases-in-third-quarter-7/" target="_blank">U.S. economy grew at 3.0 percent pace in the third quarter of 2017</a>.</p>
<p>This is the second straight quarter that the economy grew at a 3 percent pace -- <a href="https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/2017/gdp2q17_3rd.htm" target="_blank">BEA's third estimate for the second quarter showed that the U.S. economy grew at a 3.1 percent pace</a>. The last time the economy grew at a 3 percent pace for two consecutive quarters was three years ago. [<a href="https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/2017/xls/gdp3q17_adv.xlsx" target="_blank">.xlsx file download</a>]</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.bea.gov/2017/10/27/gdp-increases-in-third-quarter-7/" target="_blank">More from BEA</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>GDP Increases in Third Quarter</strong></p>
<p>Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.0 percent in the third quarter of 2017, according to the “advance” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter of 2017, real GDP increased 3.1 percent.</p>
<p><em>GDP highlights</em></p>
<p>The increase in real GDP reflected increases in consumer spending, inventory investment, business investment, and exports. A notable offset to these increases was a decrease in housing investment. Imports, which are a subtraction from GDP, decreased.</p>
<p>The increase in consumer spending reflected increases in spending on both goods and services. The increase in goods was mostly attributable to motor vehicles, and the increase in services primarily reflected increases in health care, in financial services and insurance, and in food services and accommodations.</p>
</blockquote>
Fri, 27 Oct 2017 16:01:37 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/us-economy-grew-3-pace-2nd-straight-quarterRemaining Safe in a “Smart” Worldhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/remaining-safe-smart-world
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/cybersecurityweek3.png?itok=TFvS6GpY" width="200" height="200" alt="Diagram showing key areas for protection of the Internet of Things." /></span>
<p><em>October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the Department of Commerce – in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s </em><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect"><em>Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign</em></a><em> – is highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and online safety.</em></p>
<p>Is your robotic vacuum or pet webcam making your home network less safe? We’re surrounded by the internet of things (IoT) where items like thermostats, light bulbs and refrigerators are connected to the internet. We carry around smart devices like phones and we even wear them in the form of fitness trackers, smart watches and medical devices. This complicated IoT offers us tremendous benefits, but it also poses many unique risks.</p>
<p>As technology continues to evolve and advance through all aspects of our lives, it is critical to use internet-connected devices in safe and secure ways. These devices pose various privacy and security challenges because they collect personal information about the user which could potentially be accessed by others. You are responsible for understanding what information these devices collect and how it is being shared.</p>
<p>Follow these simple tips to help secure any object or device that connects to the internet and sends or receives data automatically: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Secure your home Wi-Fi network</strong> by customizing the name (a.k.a. SSID) and pre-set passwords of your router, using the router’s built-in firewall and limiting or regularly monitoring which devices are connecting to your network through MAC addresses.</li>
<li>If you decide to purchase an IoT device, <strong>do your research</strong> to ensure that the manufacturer takes cybersecurity seriously. Look for regular security updates, password management options and strong encryption of your data.</li>
<li>Pay close attention to the <strong>permissions</strong> that a device or app is requesting. For example, a flashlight app on your phone does not need access to your address book.</li>
<li>Read <strong>privacy policies</strong> and know what information an app or device will collect to determine if you really want to share such information.</li>
<li>Keep all devices that connect to the internet free from viruses and malware by <strong>updating</strong> the software regularly.</li>
<li>Understand <strong>privacy settings</strong> to control how much information a device or app will display publicly about you.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>You can </em><em>learn more about National Cyber Security Awareness Month and how you can be safe online at </em><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/ncsam"><em>https://www.dhs.gov/ncsam</em></a><em>.</em><em> </em><em>To receive cybersecurity tips year round, visit </em><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect"><em>www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect</em></a><em> and sign up to get email updates from the </em><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect"><em>Stop.Think.Connect.</em></a><em> Campaign.</em></p>
Fri, 27 Oct 2017 12:03:18 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/remaining-safe-smart-world